Experts discuss diabetes at Belfast conference

Local diabetes and public health experts today met to discuss the increasing numbers of sufferers of both Type 1 and Type 2 of Diabetes in Northern Ireland.

Over 100 key stakeholders in the areas of public health and diabetes from across Northern Ireland met at the Belfast conference, entitled ‘Diabetes and Public Health – From Intervention to Prevention’, for the first time to discuss the affecting issues.

Opening the conference, Chief Medical Officer Dr Henrietta Campbell said: "It is estimated that between thirty thousand, but perhaps up to fifty thousand people have the condition in Northern Ireland. If drastic action isn’t taken, these figures will rise significantly over the next decade.

“The issue of obesity in childhood needs to be tackled urgently. The Department has established the Fit Futures taskforce, to tackle the problem and they shall be making recommendations later in the year. Making radical changes in public health policy now will reap dividends for the future."

Kate Fleck, National Director of Diabetes UK Northern Ireland said: "This conference gives us the opportunity to explore in greater detail one of the main areas identified in the diabetes framework for Northern Ireland.

“We would hope this event will encourage key decision makers to develop a joined up approach to tackle the impact of diabetes in our community."

Key stakeholders from the area of diabetes and public health were involved in sessions throughout the day covering obesity, smoking cessation, physical activity, food and nutrition, mental health promotion and prevention and early identification.

In Northern Ireland three in every 100 people have been diagnosed with diabetes; a further two in every 100 people are not aware that they have the condition.

(MB/SP)